JOHN Barton is keeping his fingers crossed that last year's injury hoodoo does not dash Worcester City's chances this time round.

The St George's Lane boss saw Marc Burrow stretchered off within minutes of the start of last night's friendly at Stourport Swifts.

The versatile defender was left in agony after suffering a back spasm two minutes into the game.

Captain Carl Heeley also picked up a slight groin strain and Pat Lyons was absent as he recovers from a bruised ankle while Stewart Hadley has been forced to rest his Achilles for another two weeks. "Everybody seems to be picking up injuries and I just hope and pray we don't get the same as last year," said Barton.

City went on to win 2-1 at Stourport with goals from Mark Owen and Adam Webster and Barton paid tribute to Swifts.

"It was a beneficial exercise for both sides and was a keenly fought, competitive game," he said.

"They have got a side emerging that can do well this year."